ACFs are aimed at those who, at the early stages of their specialty training, show outstanding potential for a career in academic medicine or dentistry. The duration of an ACF is for a maximum of 3 years (4 years for GPs). During this time, alongside clinical training, ACFs will be able to develop their academic skills and be supported in preparing an application for a Research Training Fellowship (to undertake a higher research degree) or an application for a place on an educational programme (leading to a higher degree). Success in these applications is defined as the end point of an ACF.

The scheme is open to F2 trainees and Core Trainees who are eligible to apply for a National Training Number (NTN).

Training Programme

The research training programme for Academic Clinical Fellows at the University of East Anglia was commended by NIHR.

Our research training programme is delivered by combination of modular taught programmes (20 M level credits per module) and appropriate courses (e.g. GCP course). The assessment follows the requirement of individual modules set out in the training curriculum for ACFs who are allocated to the Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia. There is a dedicated programme co-ordinator who oversees trainee progress and training requirements. View the Research Training Programme online for more information.

Any identified gaps in training needs will be dealt individually, thereby providing you with a flexible but structured academic training programme which meets the standard set out by NIHR.

If, in agreement with your supervisors, other training is considered more appropriate, you can arrange for attendance on modules and training events hosted by other organisations. A bursary of up to £4500 in total over the 3 year period is available to support training costs at UEA or other locations.

Academic Clinical Fellowships in General Practice

Academic training for primary care ACFs at Norwich Medical School is integrated with the East of England Deanery GPST Programmes based at Norwich, and comprises a 4 year training programme resulting in CCT and also academic outputs, typically an MSc or a PhD application. The majority of ACFs are locally funded by the Eastern Deanery, and these ACFs have been adopted by the NIHR. The ACF will choose to pursue a particular research interest from within Primary Care. The academic attachment will comprise project work and regular supervision which will focus on developing the chosen research and education topics to prepare a suitable portfolio for future career aspirations. The training is co-ordinated by Dr Robert Fleetcroft who is a GP and clinical lecturer in general practice, and supported by Professor Amanda Howe along with other members of the Primary Care Group.

Travel and Subsistence

A bursary of up to £1000 per year is available for approved expenditure which is expected to include travel, conferences or similar to support each Fellow. Please note that this does not normally include costs associated with any Fellow's modular training. Surplus bursary funds will remain with recipient organisation for use on activities that benefit the academic development or training of the Academic Clinical Fellow and Clinical Lecturer cohort.

Learn more about what being an ACF in Norwich entails, as told by current ACFs.